Voice of the people (letter).

Guns Not A Factor

April 16, 1993|By Gary L. Larson.

DECATUR — The March 30 article about Mark Kaplan's conclusions about firearms suicides can be easily shot full of holes. He cannot honestly claim our high suicide rates are due to the availability of firearms. He is ignoring the fact Japan has a much higher rate of suicide than the U.S., despite its claimed benefits of strict gun laws.

It is obvious to me Kaplan is letting his hatred of firearms and gun owners cloud his judgement. Suicide is dependent on several factors. The availability of firearms cannot be a significant factor if Japan has a rate higher than the U.S.